We’ve long known that reading is good for the mind and soul. Losing yourself in a great novel is one of life’s most enduring pleasures. But what if I told you that books are more than food for thought? They also have the power to nourish your body. Immersing yourself in a book today could mean extra years of life down the road.
Books, it turns out, really are the best medicine.
Live longer and boost your well-being by picking up a book
A new study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine shows that book reading is associated with increased longevity, even more so than reading newspapers or magazines.
The study followed 3,635 participants over the age of 50 for an average of 9.5 years. Compared to non-book readers, those who read books showed a 20% reduction in mortality risk over 12 years of follow-up. Book readers lived an average of 23 months longer than non-readers.
What’s behind this benefit?
The researchers found that the cognitive engagement from reading books altogether accounted for the survival advantage. In other words, it wasn’t just that book readers had higher baseline cognition; rather, reading books boosted cognition and, in turn, longevity.
Reading books promotes deep thinking that engages the brain more than skimming through newspapers or magazines. Books expose us to new vocabulary, encourage critical thinking, and help maintain memory and concentration. Losing yourself in a captivating storyline flexes the brain in ways that seem to fend off cognitive decline.
Remarkably, the survival advantage of reading books was seen across all ages, education levels, and income groups, as well as in both men and women. Just 30 minutes of book reading per day, the equivalent of a chapter, was enough to confer a significant longevity benefit compared to those who didn’t read.
How to reap the health rewards of reading
Follow these tips to make book reading a regular part of your wellness routine:
Curling up with a good book can seem indulgent, but this research shows that reading books is a simple yet powerful way to boost your health and longevity. You have the potential to live a longer, more cognitively engaged life, all by turning the pages of a captivating book. Pick up that novel on your nightstand, and know that every chapter you devour is an investment in your long-term vitality.
Don’t wait for some far-off day to pick up the habit. Start today. Grab that novel off your shelf or borrow a book from a friend. Immerse yourself in the written word, and know that with every page, you’re extending your stay on this wondrous planet we call home.
Read on.
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